Pegasus Group International Inc.

Honesty Integrity Tenacity

407 931 3441

TM

    CHALLENGE COIN LLC

Served With Pride and Distinction
Text Box: The Challenge Coin above is one of our wide range of coins in United Kingdom. designed by a retired Paratrooper for all qualified Paratroopers Text Box: A Brief History of The Challenge Coin During World War 1, American volunteers from all parts of the country filled the newly formed flying squadrons. Some were wealthy scions attending colleges such as Yale and Harvard who quit in mid-term to join the war. In one squadron, a wealthy lieutenant ordered medallions struck in solid bronze and presented them to his unit. One young pilot placed the medallion in a small leather pouch that he wore about his neck. Shortly after acquiring the medallions, the pilots’ aircraft was severely damaged by ground fire. He was forced to land behind enemy lines and was immediately captured by a German patrol. In order to discourage his escape, the Germans took all of his personal identification except for the small leather pouch around his neck. In the meantime, he was taken to a small French town near the front. Taking advantage of a bombardment that night, he escaped. However, he had no personal identification. He succeeded in avoiding German patrols by donning civilian attire and reached the front lines. With great difficulty, he crossed no-man's land. Eventually, he stumbled onto a French outpost. Unfortunately, saboteurs had plagued the French in the sector. They sometimes masqueraded as civilians and wore civilian clothes. Not recognizing the young pilot's American accent, the French thought him to be a saboteur and made ready to execute him. He had no identification to prove his allegiance, but he did have his leather pouch containing the medallion. He showed the medallion to his would-be executioners and one of his French captors recognized the squadron insignia on the medallion. They delayed his execution long enough for him to confirm his identity. Instead of shooting him they gave him a bottle of wine. The tradition is still carried out today by many forces throughout the world, both Military and civilian. Where a member or an organization/club may “Challenge” another present, if a coin is produced the Challenger must buy the drinks if not the Challenged must buy. A Great tradition proudly carried on by today's Men & Women in Uniform. Text Box: To Contact Challenge Coins LLC Text Box: Coin Design See a sample of coin designs by clicking here And Go To our design assistance page here Text Box: 327 Milnrow Road, Firgrove, Lancashire. OL16 5BU United Kingdom In USA PO Box 781941 Orlando Fl 32878-1941